Drivers speak out against racism after Hamilton criticised F1's silence
Drivers speak out against racism after Hamilton criticised F1's silence
Several drivers have responded to criticism from Lewis Hamilton, the champion condemning the silence of Formula 1 after the death of US citizen George Floyd.
The incident has sparked protests against racism across the world, but Formula 1 remained silent. Now, several drivers have spoken out. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc confessing he did not know how to deal with the topic.
"To be completly honest, I felt out of place and uncomfortable sharing my thoughts on social media about the whole situation and this is why I haven't express myself earlier than today," wrote Leclerc. "And I was completely wrong.
"I still struggle to find the words to describe the atrocity of some videos I've seen on Internet.
"Racism needs to be met with actions, not silence. Please be actively participating, engaging and encouraging others to spread awareness.
"It is our responsibilities to speak out against injustice. Don't be silent. I stand."
#BLACKLIVESMATTER
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) May 31, 2020
To be completly honest, I felt out of place and uncomfortable sharing my thoughts on social media about the whole situation and this is why I haven't express myself earlier than today.
And I was completely wrong. 1/3
I still struggle to find the words to describe the atrocity of some videos I've seen on Internet.
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) May 31, 2020
Racism needs to be met with actions, not silence. Please be actively participating, engaging and encouraging others to spread awareness. 2/3
It is our responsabilities to speak out against injustice. Don't be silent.
— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) May 31, 2020
I stand #BlackLivesMatters. 3/3
Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz joined his future teammate, saying: "These issues that we are facing nowadays in 2020 makes us think that we have gone back in time regardless the suffer and tears of our ancestors. It is crazy to think that what is still happening right now, we all have the same blood...
"Regarding our environment, we're a global sport with workers and fans from all over the world, from various backgrounds, religions, skin colours and conditions. We work together in great harmony to entertain everyone around the globe and spread a message of sportsmanship and unity. I absolutely condemn all types of racism and all types of injustice.
"Diversity pushes us forward, we embrace it. Hopefully one day everyone will."
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) June 1, 2020
Daniel Ricciardo described the situation as a disgrace and called for a more unified society.
He wrote: "Seeing the news the last few days has left me saddened, what happened to George Floyd and what continues to happen in today’s society is a disgrace. Now more than ever we need to stand together, unified together. Racism is toxic and needs to be addressed not with violence or silence but with unity and action. We need to stand up, we need to be a WE. Let’s be better people. It’s 2020 ffs. Black lives matter."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) on
Lando Norris also added his voice to the cause, adding: "I have fans and followers. Support and love. And I have power through this to lead and inspire so many. But we also stand for what’s right. This time I ask you to do something and take action."
I have fans and followers. Support and love. And I have power through this to lead and inspire so many. But we also stand for what’s right. This time I ask you to do something and take action. Click the link and make a difference... #blacklivesmatter https://t.co/IrVrgU2JBA pic.twitter.com/ee2A0goz84
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) June 1, 2020
Rather than make a statement of his own, Racing Point driver Sergio Perez tweeted a video of a Michigan police officer who had instructed his peers to remove their helmets and lay down their riot gear to 'turn this protest into a parade'.
#BlacklivesMaters ❤️👏🏻 https://t.co/0kx4MMQmn1
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) May 31, 2020
Before you go...
Rich Energy interested in Williams partnership
Vettel forced out of Ferrari by 'enormous criticism' - Hakkinen
Related
Change your timezone:
Latest News
Max Verstappen's preferred Red Bull team-mate REVEALED by F1 pundit
- 23 minutes ago
F1 News Today: McLaren boss keen for stunning REUNION as Horner BLAMED for Newey nightmare
- 1 hour ago
F1 Miami Grand Prix weather forecast - latest today
- 2 hours ago
F1 rival makes stunning Hamilton 'best' claim despite poor form
- 3 hours ago
F1 star emerges as SHOCK target for Audi
- Today 12:57
Hamilton F1 rival makes astonishing admission with Verstappen claim
- Today 11:57
Related news
F1 rival makes stunning Hamilton 'best' claim despite poor form
Hamilton F1 rival makes astonishing admission with Verstappen claim
Hamilton in Ferrari F1 SHOCK after team snub revealed
Ricciardo given HUGE boost after upgrade claim
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860